When there’s no entry fee but sore legs, and stunning views come for free, devout trail runners find their rewards. Our ultra-light, slim-fitting Houdini Jacket can help, with its weather-resistant 100% nylon ripstop fabric that breathes, blocks wind and withstands abrasion on multi-hour adventure runs. The slim fit allows for a baselayer or light midlayers, the hood cinches with a single pull and won’t pinch your ears, and the cording, toggles and elastic cuffs are all trim and lightweight. Half-elastic cuffs seal the wrists, and a drawcord cinches the hem. It packs snugly into its own small zippered chest pocket, which has a reinforced clip-in loop for attaching to your hydration-pack straps. A DWR (durable water repellent) finish coats the shell and the center-front zipper. With a reflective logo on the left chest and center back neck.

I debated as to whether or not to buy a this jacket for my first 100 miler that took place in May. SO GLAD I DID. Not only did it rain, but it hailed and also temps dropped into the high 30's, low 40's overnight. It kept me dry during the rain without making me hot. After the rain I was able to pack it in the bottle holder of my Hydration Pack. As night came upon it was the perfect warmth, in conjunction with arm sleeves even in the low 40's. Within the last 17 miles is kept me warm and the freezing rain off of me. I would have been miserable otherwise.

I've used it hiking and cycling. It works pretty well for hiking, as it offers enough protections during moderately strenuous activities without getting overheated. Keeps you warm enough during windy conditions, and though I haven't tested it yet, I'm sure it's slightly water/rain resistant. Scrunches down into a tiny pocket for easy storage.

However it's rather bulky for its size. Considering this is supposed to be super light, they could have made it a bit more form fitting. It's not the overall size (I would not fit a size down), it's just the arms and body are a bit bulky. I would prefer a closer fit, especially for hiking through brush. If this got a snag, it would rip open I fear.

Also, I used it as a shell for bike riding (on a long descent off a mountain), and I realize the sleeve cuffs are not tight enough to the wrist. I have another brand of wind shirt and the cuffs are elastic all the way around, and seal off the wind from going up through the wrist openings. This one does not have elastic all the way around and is not tight to the wrist. I got cold air inside the arms and could not keep it out, thereby defeating the purpose of this wind jacket. I guess I'll go back to my bulkier wind jacket for cycling and keep this for hiking and running. For the price, I'm a little disappointed.

I received my first Houdini as a finisher's jacket in an ultra. I was impressed with the light weight of this jacket and how warm it was on cold runs. The hood, however, catches wind when running and flaps around acting as an anchor behind your head. I ended up cutting it off to solve this problem. Bought a second one and ended up gluing velcro into the collar so that the hood could be rolled up. Problem solved again. Other then that, it a great, well-made jacket.